Free State Project activist Dennis Pratt and Soho Forum Director Gene Epstein recently debated the resolution, “A better way to persuade more people of libertarianism is to convince them of the ethics stemming from self-ownership and the non-aggression principle, without relying primarily on consequentialist/utilitarian arguments.”
Dennis Pratt, a libertarian writer and activist in New Hampshire, argued in favor of the resolution. He believes that while consequentialist arguments are commonly used by libertarian economists, they are not as effective in persuading individuals to embrace libertarianism. Pratt asserts that the philosophy of self-ownership holds greater persuasive power and is more accessible to a wider audience.
Soho Forum Director Gene Epstein presented the opposing view. Despite sharing the same philosophical beliefs as Pratt, Epstein emphasized the importance of utilizing empirical evidence to demonstrate the failures of government interventions. He believes that these facts can prompt individuals to reevaluate their anti-libertarian viewpoints.
The debate took place on June 20, 2024, at the Porcupine Freedom Festival in Lancaster, New Hampshire. The event was moderated by Free State Project founder Jason Sorens.
